This Park has been known as Park 17 since at least 1895. Its two names – 'Carriageway Park' and 'Tuthangga' are much more recent. The Kaurna name Tuthangga was assigned by the City Council in 2002. The title "Carriageway Park" was informally used in the 19th century, but was officially assigned to the Park only as recently as September 2017.

It is 31.6 hectares in size, making up approximately 4% of the Adelaide Park Lands.

Odd fact: the small corner triangle, south of Glen Osmond Road was historically known as Park 17A.